i8 



THROUGH JUNGLE AND DESERT 



CHAP. I 



plantations devoted to the cultivation of Indian corn, 

 millet, and tobacco; and before the herds of the people 

 were destroyed by the cattle plague, which occurred in 

 1S89, many thousands of cattle, sheep, and goats were 

 raised. At that time this country was one of the richest 

 on the east coast of Africa. In the midst of this vast 

 plain, now covered with tall grass, may yet be found 

 stalks of wild millet and stunted Indian corn, which 

 lend their testimony to the fact that what is now but 

 a prairie had once been the scene of considerable agri- 

 cultural industry. Along the banks of the Tana, and 

 for some distance to the eastward, dense forests are 

 to be found, where the rubber plant is plentiful. 



Our camp at Mkonumbi was 200 to 300 yards from 

 the shore, along which were scattered fifty or sixty 

 palm-thatched huts. These comprised the village of 

 Mkonumbi. In the centre of our camp rose two large 

 mango trees, whose thick branches afforded a grateful 

 shade from the tropical sun. Under these trees we 

 pitched our three tents. A space of three acres in 

 extent was cleared of grass and brush, and fenced in 

 by a strong thorn hedge. Around the inner side of 

 this enclosure we placed the huts, thatched with straw 

 or palm leaves, for the use of the porters. Two gates, 

 one on the side toward the river, and the other on 

 the opposite side of the camp, were guarded by my 

 Soudanese. In front of our tents, in a space left open 

 for that purpose, were placed the tents in which were 

 stored the ammunition, trading-goods, and provisions. 

 In one corner of our camp was placed a square, box- 

 like edifice, constructed from camel saddles. This was 

 the habitation of the Somali. 



